Traffic Stop Ends in Violent Crash and Firearm Recovery

Loaded firearm located after traffic stop leads to high speed pursuit crash in quiet Parkland neighborhood.

Parkland, WA: Around 30 minutes after midnight, crews with Central Pierce Fire and Rescue received a call for a serious injury collision in the 11500 block of Ainsworth Avenue South in the city of Parkland.

Upon arrival, crews found the end of a pursuit involving the Pierce County Sheriff's Office and Washington State Patrol and a vehicle on its side in a vacant lot.

Neighbors tell us that this was an ending to a pursuit that started on a nearby highway after a traffic stop in which DUI was suspected.

While on the scene, a Central Pierce Fire and Rescue Firefighter pointed out a loaded firearm on the ground about 50 feet from the suspect's vehicle.

Paramedics treated the suspect driver and transported them to an area hospital in unknown condition. They were conscious and talking with first responders while on scene.